Diving in Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe is an archipelago of 5 islands covering approximately 1630 km². In the heart of the Caribbean Sea, this archipelago offers an extraordinary marine territory to discover for scuba diving enthusiasts. But in this warm and welcoming sea, the less experienced will also find something to try their hand at discovering the underwater world, from a depth of one meter, in protected lagoons or in places particularly suited to introductory diving. Today's focus on scuba diving in Guadeloupe!
Grande Terre
In the Grande-Terre region, explore an area where the currents of the Atlantic meet the calmer waters of the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin.
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A beautiful coral reef awaits you: l'Avion in Port-Louis, a plane wreck lying at a depth of 22 meters, colonized by a variety of corals. It serves as a shelter for many fish and offers the opportunity to observe turtles and rays.
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At Anse Bertrand, discover Les Arches, a fantastic dive site consisting of numerous underwater arches and corridors. Marine fauna and flora include gorgonians, staghorn corals, turtles, angelfish, seahorses and garden eels.
Basse Terre
Explore the mysterious Ilets Pigeon, also known as Reserve Cousteau, in the heart of Basse-Terre.
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These islets, designated as the Heart of the Guadeloupe National Park, benefit from one of the most prestigious protection statuses.
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Below the water’s surface, dive into unspoiled sanctuaries that are home to dazzling coral diversity and impressive fish specimens. With numerous dive clubs at your disposal, explore unique experiences, including night diving, for an unforgettable underwater adventure.
The Saintes Islands
​In the Saintes archipelago, the famous Sec Pate site is among the most spectacular in the world.
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Explore this underwater peak, whose base is 200m deep and the highest point at minus 15 meters. The sea conditions make this dive difficult because of the swell and the current, level 2 is required for this dive.
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Go in search of a large quantity of diverse fish: gray and royal angelfish, oceanic triggerfish, moray eels as well as sea turtles, corals, gorgonians, lobsters and crustaceans that appropriate the marine domain, around the three peaks that form the summit of the sec.
Marie-Galante
In Marie Galante, the dive sites are only 10 to 15 minutes away by boat, offering exceptional visibility of about 30 meters.
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You can see lobsters, moray eels, soldierfish, rays and many turtles.
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Two recommended spots are the Jardin de Corail, ideal for first dives, and Grand Ancre, where a colonized anchor shelters a variety of fauna: scorpionfish, anemones, shrimps and lobsters.
Desirade
​In La Désirade, the Tuyau site at Pointe des Colibris is home to parrotfish, triggerfish, barracuda and rays are common there. (see photos @ Damien NIES)
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The old pipe that connected Grande-Terre to La Désirade to supply the inhabitants with water and electricity is still visible, entirely covered in coral concretions.
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Three 19th century anchors are also present, testimonies to the rich naval history of the archipelago.
Important recommandations
Waiting 24 hours before flying after scuba diving is a crucial safety measure, widely recommended by diving clubs.
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This period, called the "surface interval", allows the body to eliminate dissolved nitrogen accumulated during the dive, thus reducing the risk of bubbles forming in the blood, known as decompression sickness.
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This precaution is essential to prevent the risks associated with changing atmospheric pressure during the flight, thus ensuring a safe dive.